Difference between revisions of "Taboo"
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| − | '''Taboo''' means forbidden, though not necessarily 'evil'. Taboos are social norms | + | '''Taboo''' means forbidden, though not necessarily 'evil'. Taboos are social norms, often preventative in nature. For example, the Western society taboo against [[cannibalism]]. |
A mark of differentiation between civilized countries and primitive tribes is that the higher religions explicitly require and forbid what is good and evil. For example, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit. | A mark of differentiation between civilized countries and primitive tribes is that the higher religions explicitly require and forbid what is good and evil. For example, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit. | ||
Revision as of 04:05, October 3, 2007
Taboo means forbidden, though not necessarily 'evil'. Taboos are social norms, often preventative in nature. For example, the Western society taboo against cannibalism.
A mark of differentiation between civilized countries and primitive tribes is that the higher religions explicitly require and forbid what is good and evil. For example, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the Ten Commandments. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit.
Some anthropologists who promote cultural relativism have sought to introduce 'uncivilised' practices into 'civilised' society. The increasingly liberal National Geographic magazine (and especially its televized documentaries) take this approach. [1]